AtheLiv (Dalotia coriaria), commonly known as the rove beetle, is a soil-dwelling generalist predator widely used in greenhouse IPM programs.
Feeding Habits
AtheLiv (D. coriaria) hunts in the growing medium, feeding on thrips pupae, fungus gnat larvae, shore fly larvae, and other soil pests. Its ability to survive for weeks without prey allows it to persist until pest populations appear, ensuring consistent control.
Lifecycle of Dalotia coriaria
Egg Stage: Eggs are laid in soil or growing medium and take 2-3 days to reach larva stage.
Larval Stage: Larvae actively hunt thrips pupae and other soil-dwelling pests. Larvae grow into pupa in 7 days.
Pupal Stage: Develops in soil or growing medium. Pupae grow into adults in 7 days.
Adult Stage: Adults are highly mobile, capable of crawling and flying. Females begin laying eggs 1–2 days after emergence, producing an average of ~90 eggs over their lifetime. Typical sex ratio is ~1 male to 1 female.
Benefits
|
Benefit |
How It Helps Growers |
|
Multi-pest control |
Targets thrip pupae, fungus gnat larvae, shore fly larvae, root aphids, and more. |
|
Persistence |
Survives without prey by feeding on dead debris. |
|
Mobility |
Can crawl and fly, ensuring rapid distribution across the crop. |
Storage Conditions
Use AtheLiv (D. coriaria) immediately upon arrival for best results. If short-term storage is necessary, keep at 10°C in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Storage should not exceed 1–2 days.
Application Guidelines
Apply beetles evenly to growing media, preferably in early morning or late afternoon. Release in batches of 50–100 individuals per application.
Optimal soil moisture is 60–80% to support establishment, and temperatures around 25°C promote activity and reproduction.
Recommended Release Rates
|
Strategy |
Release Rate |
Frequency |
|
Preventative |
2–4/m² |
Once per crop cycle |
|
Curative |
5–10/m² |
Once per crop cycle |
Preventative applications allow AtheLiv (D. coriaria) to establish before thrips pupae emerge, minimizing the need for repeated curative interventions.